PhD Study : Design of complex structural composite preforms through advanced material understanding

Summary

There is a growing interest in 3D woven composites in industrial applications as the demand for tailored performance and near net shape preforms continues to expand.  One of the major barriers for the uptake of 3D woven preforms in critical industries such as aerospace is the ability of the material to meet strict Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) approval.  This is largely due to variation and “unknowns” in the preform as a result of the weaving process.  Research at Ulster has demonstrated that, despite the enhanced mechanical performance achievable with 3D woven composites, current manufacturing methods are not optimised. This can cause detrimental knock downs in actual strength of the yarns in the preform due to damage to the yarn induced in the weaving process.

During the weaving process, fibre yarns are pulled through several guides or mechanical interactions from the initial creel to the end haul off, travelling at various speeds while encountering various angles and materials.  It is in these fibre-equipment and fibre-fibre interactions, which currently aren’t measured or recorded, that yarns experience friction which leads to fibre damage and the resulting variability and knock down in preform properties. To this effect, this PhD project will investigate fibre friction and damage during the weaving process with an aim to develop a full understanding of friction, interaction and damage relative to the preform manufacturing process.

This will be achieved through the following primary objectives:

* Design and development of test methodologies and rig, that is representative of loom and fibre interactions, to measure fibre friction and damage.

* Predictive modelling of fibre interactions and friction.

* Experimental analysis of fibre samples - testing will be performed using a number of variables in fibre, tool test material and angle/speed that is relative to that experienced during the weaving process.

* Investigation for the use of integrated sensors in the weaving process to monitor fibre friction/damage.

The knowledge and understanding developed through this project would provide valuable information that could help optimise loom design, processing parameters, material selection and generate preform “history” through data collection that could be correlated to its quality and mechanical performance.  Successful implementation of this can provide significant contribution to the implantation of this technology for structural applications in high value industries such as aerospace and automotive.  To accomplish the project the student will be trained to gain expertise and knowledge in the areas of 3D woven composites, weaving processes, testing design, materials characterisation/analysis and sensors.

Requirements:

This project is well suited for someone with a high interest in advanced materials investigation with industrial application.  A skills background from materials, mechanical engineering, textiles or any other related engineering field is beneficial.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living